10 THINGS YOU DON’T KNOW ABOUT BABY/ CHILD PROOFING FOR AN ASD CHILD.

I’m taking part in the SEND 30 Day Challenge.  Today, day 2 is titled 10 things you don’t know about. 

I’m going to focus this on monster-proofing. You may know this better as Baby-proofing / child safety. The two are similar but NOT the same, as other parents with ASD (and other) diagnosis’ may also understand!

Please note this list is relevant for us here and now. It will change over time as our four year old ASD guy (The Monster) gets bigger, stronger and potentially more vulnerable. 

1. The best place for a TV is on the wall (RIP TV #1&2) thus eradicating the ability to knock pull it over. NB being on the wall does not make it safe, but rather makes it safER. You may want to consider a TV screen protector or armor to protect it.

2. Many ASD children are runners / escapists. Door and window alarms are quite literally life savers for many. We don’t need to invest just yet but they are definitely on the radar for later.

3. Soft furnishings are scarce and out of reach permanently.  If left within reach they get moved, put in mouth, broken, knocked over, played with etc.   

4. Our hot tap in the bathroom does not work. We have deliberately not fixed it to rule out the risk of The Monster scalding himself. He loves water and playing with taps is a must.

5. We will hold onto The Monster’s hand or use reigns / pushchair / stroller etc when going anywhere. He is not safe enough to walk in public / busy places without either being strapped down or in physical contact. 

6. I conduct Risk Assessments constantly! A visual inspection Is a minimum everywhere we go.  I see danger in things that nobody else will.

7. The Monster’s spatial awareness is limited so he still has a bedrail and  corners and sharp edges around the house are padded to prevent accidents, especially as our space is small and he can he sometimes stims (spins, bounces etc).

8. Medicines / lotions and potions / cleaning equipment etc is locked away or kept completely out of reach. You would probably expect to do this for any 4 year old, but this will likely be a permanent fixture in our house.

9.  Stools, chairs or anything else that can be used as a platform to reach  or climb something are closely monitored. The Monster is fearless and sees no danger in things.

10. With The Monster due to start school and getting a bit more independent we are looking at getting a tracker for him. In the event that he gets lost or runs off he wouldn’t be able to tell people anything as he is non-verbal. We need to be able to locate him quickly if this ever happens.

So there you have it. Are there any things you would add?

#SEND30DayChallenge

Special thanks to https://www.mumoam.co.uk for hosting the challenge.